Verification

The Department of Education (ED) describes verification as: "The process your school uses to confirm that the data reported on your FAFSA is accurate. Your school has the authority [by federal regulation] to contact you for documentation that supports income and other information that you reported."

In signing the FAFSA on paper or electronically, "you agree, if asked, to provide information that will verify the accuracy of your completed form. This information may include U.S. or state income tax forms that you filed are or are required to file." Approximately 30% of all students nationwide that apply for federal aid are selected for verification by the federal government. The laws that govern verification are federal laws and cannot be waived unless a student decides to not use federal aid.

DISCLAIMERS

All required documents must be submitted by the established deadlines.

Due to recent IRS changes to protect taxpayer data, tax transcripts will no longer include the full last name or the entire social security number. Students submitting a tax transcript (via fax, email, or in-person) must include their Last Name and Banner ID on each page of the tax transcript. Failure to comply with this important change may result in a significant delay in processing your verification and financial aid package.

Upon receipt of all required documents, the Financial Aid Office will review all submissions and either complete verification or request additional information.

Requests for additional information are typically needed when incomplete or conflicting documents are submitted. You can minimize the risk of needing to submit additional documents by carefully reading and following all instructions, completing forms entirely and truthfully, and submitting all required documentation.

The Financial Aid Office has the authority to request any documentation they believe may impact the student's federal aid eligibility.

Completing the verification process is not a guarantee that your bill will be covered in full by financial aid. Individual circumstances may require additional funding to be secured.

Note: During peak processing times (August and January), it may take up to four weeks to process verification materials. Therefore, students are strongly advised to submit their FAFSA early and respond to any requirements as soon as possible.

What is the purpose of verification?

Verification is intended to improve the accuracy of the information submitted on the FAFSA, thereby, adding integrity to the Federal Student Aid programs.

Who is Selected?

Approximately 30% of all students are chosen to go through the verification process (true at all colleges and universities nationwide). Some students are chosen randomly while others are chosen due to discrepant information provided on the FAFSA. Some students are selected after they have received an award letter. It is not unusual for a student to go through the process several years in a row.

What documents are required for 2018-2019?

Based on the student's dependency status, submit the documents shown below.

The 2018-2019 school year covers Fall 2018, Spring 2019, and Summer 2019

Dependent Students: 2018-2019 Academic Year

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Required Documents for Dependent Students

If the student used the IRS Data Retrieval Tool when completing the FAFSA, the transcript is not required. Refer to Banner Requirements; if the tax transcript shows "verified internally," you do not need to submit it.

If the student worked but did not file taxes, they must submit their W-2 statement(s).

If the your parent used the IRS Data Retrieval Tool when completing the FAFSA, the transcript is not required. Refer to Banner Requirements; if the tax transcript shows "verified internally," you do not need to submit it.

Submit Schedule E, if your parents filed it with their return.

If your parent worked but did not file taxes, they must submit their W-2 statement(s) and submit an IRS Tax Return Transcript to confirm their non-filing status for 2016

If your parents had no income in 2016, they must submit a signed statement explaining how they supported their family.

4.

Other Income Explanation (if applicable): Parents or students that have income listed on their tax return as "Other Income" must submit a statement or documentation explaining what the source of the income is (e.g.: is it income from work?). For example, gambling winnings or debt cancellations are often included under "Other Income"; the Financial Aid Office needs to be able to distinguish what type of income this is.

Independent Students: 2018-2019 Academic Year

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Required Documents for Independent Students

If the student used the IRS Data Retrieval Tool when completing the FAFSA, the transcript is not required. Refer to Banner Requirements; if the tax transcript shows "verified internally," you do not need to submit it.

Submit Schedule E, if you filed it with your tax return.

If the student worked but did not file taxes, you must submit your W-2 statement(s) and an IRS Tax Return Transcript which confirms your non-filing status for 2016.

If you had no income in 2016, you must submit a signed statement explaining how you supported yourself.

If your spouse filed taxes with you and you used the IRS Data Retrieval Tool when completing the FAFSA, the transcript is not required for your spouse. Refer to Banner Requirements; if the tax transcript shows "verified internally," you do not need to submit it. Otherwise, it is required.

Submit Schedule E, if your spouse filed it with his/her tax return.

If the your spouse worked but did not file taxes, submit their W-2 statement(s) instead of the transcript and an IRS Tax Return Transcript which confirms their non-filing status for 2016.

If your spouse had no income in 2016, he/she must submit a signed statement explaining how they were supported.

5.

Other Income Explanation (if applicable): Students that have income listed on their tax return as "Other Income" must submit a statement or documentation explaining what the source of the income is (e.g.: is it income from work?). For example, gambling winnings or debt cancellations are often included under "Other Income"; the Financial Aid Office needs to be able to distinguish what type of income this is.

What documents are required for 2017-2018

ALERT: On April 24, 2017, the U.S. Department of Education announced that for the 2016-2017 and 2017-2018 school years, colleges could accept a signed 2015 tax return instead of the IRS tax return transcript that had previously been required. This change is in response to issues with the IRS tax transcript and data retrieval processes. Therefore, you may submit your signed tax return instead of the tax return transcript.

Additionally, a signed statement that the individual did not file federal taxes in 2015 and was not required to file federal taxes in 2015 is acceptable; the IRS letter of non-filing is no longer required for 2017-2018.

►►► Applicable for Fall 2017, Spring 2018, and Summer 2018

Dependent Students: 2017-18 Academic Year

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Required Documents for Dependent Students

1.

Completed 2017-2018 verification worksheet. See an example of a properly completed verification worksheet for a dependent student.

► If the student worked but did not file taxes, instead of the tax return they must submit one of the following:

A signed statement that: "I (we) did not file a federal tax return in 2015 and I (we) was(were) not required to file."

An IRS Verification of Nonfiling Letter. The nonfiling letter can be obtained online via the IRS website or via Form 4506-T.

4.

Copies of all 2015 parent W-2 forms

5.

Other Income Explanation (if applicable): Parents or students that have income listed on their tax return as "Other Income" must submit a statement or documentation explaining what the source of the income is (e.g.: is it income from work?). For example, gambling winnings or debt cancellations are often included under "Other Income"; the Financial Aid Office needs to be able to distinguish what type of income this is.

► If the spouse worked but did not file taxes, instead of the tax return they must submit one of the following:

A signed statement that: "I did not file a federal tax return in 2015 and I was not required to file."

An IRS Verification of Nonfiling Letter. The nonfiling letter can be obtained online via the IRS website or via Form 4506-T.

4.

Copies of all 2015 W-2 forms (student and spouse)

5.

Other Income Explanation (if applicable): Students that have income listed on their tax return as "Other Income" must submit a statement or documentation explaining what the source of the income is (e.g.: is it income from work?). For example, gambling winnings or debt cancellations are often included under "Other Income"; the Financial Aid Office needs to be able to distinguish what type of income this is.

* Students and parents that transferred their income data using the IRS Data Retrieval may not be required to submit the federal tax transcript.

How am I notified?

New students are notified in writing at their permanent address. The notification details all documents that must be submitted. Returning students are notified via their Buffalo State email account and instructed to review their Banner Eligibility Requirements. Students should refer to the Check Requirements Using Banner guide for assistance.

Be advised that the notification on the Student Aid Report that you have been selected for verification does not necessarily mean that Buffalo State will require verification documentation. Please wait to be contacted by the Financial Aid Office before submitted verification documents.

How Do I use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool?

Students and/or parents may elect to make a correction to their processed FAFSA to link to the IRS instead of requesting an IRS Tax Return Transcript. Individuals that choose this option should notify the FAO to ensure the correct FAFSA transaction is reviewed. To link to the IRS, students log into www.fafsa.gov and Make a Correction to a processed FAFSA. Under the income sections for students and parents there are questions that enable the use of the IRS DRT.

Watch a video on how to use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool.

I received an IRS extension to file my taxes. What should I submit?

For students and parents granted a tax filing extension, submit IRS Form 4868, Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File a U.S. Individual Income Tax Return. You must also provide a copy of all your W-2 forms or, if self-employed, a signed statement with the amount of their AGI and their U.S. income taxes paid. These documents will replace the tax return transcript.

Why are tax transcripts required instead of tax returns?

The U.S. Department of Education has mandated that tax transcripts produced by the IRS must be used. Students and parents that use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool will typically not be requested to supply a tax transcript. Transcripts requested from the IRS are mailed to the tax filer not Buffalo State. Once the transcript is received, a copy must be either mailed, scanned/emailed, faxed or dropped off to the financial aid office. Transcripts are double-sided! Be sure both sides are copied to avoid processing delays.

Notice: Effective for the 2013-2014 academic year, federal tax returns (1040s) can no longer be accepted by the Financial Aid Office, per federal regulation. Students and/or parents that are required to submit tax information must either use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool when filing the FAFSA or request a Tax Return Transcript directly from the IRS. Tax return transcripts can be requested online, through the U.S. Mail usingForm 4506-Tor by calling the IRS at 1-800-908-9946. Once the tax return transcript is received, submit a copy to the Financial Aid Office. The only exception to this requirement is for victims of identity theft.

What is the Statement of Educational Purpose?

A small number of financial aid applicants will be required to complete the Statement of Educational Purpose Form. The US Department of Education selects which students must complete the statement and colleges and universities cannot disburse aid until the statement is received.

The Statement of Educational Purpose certifies the student's identity and attests that the student will only use federal student aid for educational purposes and for the cost of attending college during the specified academic year. Students will be notified by the Financial Aid Office if they must complete the Statement of Educational Purpose and they may download it through their Banner account. The form must be notarized or completed in-person at the Financial Aid Office. Students must present a valid, unexpired, government-issued photo identification such as a passport or driver's license.

What is the deadline and what are the consequences if I don't submit the documents?

The deadline to submit verification documents is dependent on the type of federal student aid the students is eligible to receive (see chart below). If the deadline is not met, the student becomes ineligible for that particular aid program. This cannot be appealed and is a federal requirement.

Federal Aid Program

Verification Deadline

Direct Subsidized / Unsubsidized Loan

The verification process must be completed before the student stops attending on a half-time (6.0 credits) basis in the academic year.

Perkins Loan

The verification process must be completed before the student stops attending on a half-time, 6.0 credits, basis in the academic year.

SEOG Grant

The verification process must be completed before the student stops attending in the academic year and the student must also be eligible for a Pell grant.

Federal Work-Study

Students are not permitted to work if they have not complied with verification.

Federal Parent PLUS or Graduate PLUS Loans

The verification process must be completed before the student stops attending on a half-time, 6.0 credits, basis in the academic year.

Federal Pell Grant

Students have up to 120 days after they stop attending in the academic year to complete verification to receive a Pell Grant, if they otherwise qualify.

How long does the verification process take to be completed?

Once all the required documentation is received, an adviser will review the information and submit corrections to the federal processor as needed. Be advised that sometimes after the documentation is reviewed, it becomes clear that additional documents are needed. Therefore, students should check their Banner requirements frequently. Once the corrected FAFSA is received by Buffalo State, federal aid can be offered and/or disbursed to the student. During peak times (semester start-up), processing time can take 4 weeks to have aid offered. Therefore, students are strongly encouraged to submit their FAFSA by March 1 to allow ample processing time for the following Fall or Spring semesters. During non-peak times, students that have submitted all documentation are typically reviewed within one to two weeks and aid offered accordingly.

Can I receive any federal aid while I wait to submit documents?

No, verification must be completed first. The only exception is if a student is selected after federal aid has paid to their account; those funds will not be sent back to ED unless completion of verification necessitates it or the student fails to submit the required documents.

Can I avoid being selected in a future year?

If you were selected because there was a clear error on your FAFSA, completing it more accurately in a subsequent year may prevent you from being selected again. There is no way to avoid being randomly selected. Using the IRS Data Retrieval can minimize the documents required if selected for verification. Individuals that use the data retrieval are typically not required to submit their federal tax return transcript.